There is no question that online dating opens up a world of possibilities for single men and women that would otherwise not be available to them. But is it an avenue worth exploring? Let's run through the pros and cons.  The pros In a sense, by allowing you to specify what exactly you're looking for -- say, a lad who doesn't smoke, enjoys sports, and has sworn off marriage -- these sites take a lot of the pesky guesswork out of the dating grind. You can swap pictures and engage in phone/video chats prior to meeting in person, which can help you both assess compatibility.  Plus, it's much less nerve-racking to "approach" someone virtually than it is cold turkey at a loud nightclub where they might be surrounded by friends.  As with all else, there are drawbacks There are definite downsides to online dating. I know this from personal experience, as I met a few ladies in person back in the day whom I'd first stumbled upon via America Online. For those Gen Zer...

I've mentioned this on the blog before, but it's so important that it bears repeating. It irks me when people stress making loads of money. Sure, money can make for a better life, but it isn't the most precious commodity. What is, you ask? The most precious thing we have is our time.  While you can lose and recoup money -- say, you get a good job after blowing your hard-earned savings at the casino -- you can never get time back. Those two hours you spent watching a horrible movie that never got better? You're not getting them back. That family trip to usually-sunny Florida during which the rain never stopped? Nope, you're not getting that time back either. All that time spent with a guy who wound up living a double life? It's gone for good. You know the saying, "Choose your words carefully"?  I think an even better one would be "Use your time wisely." We don't know how long we're going to be in this world, and the years...